Posted: September 19, 2017
Max Aitken Academy’s grade 6-8 students hosted Margaret (Ward) Barnaby from Natoaganeg (Eel Ground) First Nation on Friday, September 15. She spoke to the students about Orange Shirt Day and the importance of recognizing and understanding the history and legacy of the Indian Residential School system in Canada.
This is an important topic for Margaret because she is a Survivor of this dark chapter in our history as well as, her mother and other family members. She attended what was known as Shubenacadie Indian Residential School located in Shubenacadie, Nova Scotia.
Margaret provided testimony to students about her experience at the school and also emphasized the importance of honouring Survivors of the schools and commemorating those who did not make it home.
She recalled her arrival at the school and how they took her belongings which included a new dress her mother had bought for her. This story is one that is shared by Survivors including Phyllis Webstad who began the Orange Shirt Day campaign in 2013. Follow the link below to hear Phyllis’ story.
EVERY CHILD MATTERS!